Thelma McAllister

Tuesday, October 29, 2013 10:01 PM

Thelma McAllister, 89, died Sunday, October 27, 2013. She was born January 9, 1924, in Chelsea, Mass. to David F. and Jeanette (Kover) Bentham. Thelma was raised by her grandmother, Louise E. Bentham after her mother's death when Thelma was two weeks old. She graduated from Revere High School in Massachusetts, Class of 1941. She was working as a waitress when she met Winston D. McAllister after he accidently spilled coffee on her. On January 29, 1944, Thelma and Winston were married in Revere, Mass. After the war they settled in North Carolina, and then in 1954, they moved to Wisconsin so Winston could continue his career on the water. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially the beaches of Lake Superior, flowers, travelling, antiquing, picking blueberries, making homemade jellies, ice cream, and her dogs, Goldie and Bootsie. Thelma especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Thelma is survived by her children: David (Judy) McAllister and Louise (Ernie) Volkmann; grandchildren: Debbie McAllister, Ed (Jennifer) Zentmeyer, Jennifer Zentmeyer, Michelle (Joe) Eggner, Chuck Zentmeyer and Rick Zentmeyer; step-grandchildren: Amy (Jim) Klug and Anna Lawyer, Tina Volkmann, Andy (Amy) Volkmann; many great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a very special cousin, Virginia Howe; and many other relatives and friends. Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Winston; her parents; grandmother, Louise; and a brother, Addison Bentham. Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. The Funeral Service will be held at 7:30 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com. A memorial fund has been established to benefit Sharpe Care. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Sharpe Care.